Archive for brain fog – Page 2

I seem to live in a perpetual fog, like I can’t think clearly or I’m not all the way there. Why do I have brain fog?

Answer

Brain fog is a sign of brain inflammation. Although inflammation in the brain doesn’t cause pain, it can cause symptoms of brain fog.

The brain is protected by a thin lining called the blood-brain barrier, which allows nano-sized compounds in or out of the brain as appropriate. However the blood-brain barrier can become “leaky,” just as the gut barrier can. This allows large particles into the brain that don’t belong there. These invaders trigger the brain’s immune system and cause inflammation.

Brain inflammation can also result from:

Hypothyroidism

Chronic inflammation in the body

Blood sugar imbalances

Hormonal imbalances

Gut infections

Stress and lack of sleep

Heavy metals and pollutants

Head injuries or stroke

If left unmanaged brain inflammation causes damage to nerve tissue and accelerates brain aging, increasing the risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s.

A commonly seen cause of brain fog is a food intolerance, particularly to gluten. Many people have resolved chronic brain fog simply by adapting a strict gluten-free diet. Recent research has shown gluten to be implicated in many neurological disorders, including brain fog.

The good news is the brain is responsive to inflammation management. Research shows a variety of natural compounds and botanicals have powerful anti-inflammatory effects in the brain.

These compounds and therapies to address the underlying cause of your brain fog—whether it is hypothyroidism, gluten, a hormone deficiency, or all three—can not only lift brain fog but also ensure better brain health and function for years to come.

If you’re experiencing brain fog and would like some help managing inflammation – let’s talk.

Why do I seem to struggle so much with brain fog, anxiety, and depression?

Answer:

Many factors can underlie these symptoms, however one of the most common is poor digestive health. The gut and the brain are intimately connected and poor digestive health can lead to poor brain health and related symptoms.

Leaky gut leads to leaky brain

You may have heard of leaky gut, or intestinal permeability. This is when the lining of the digestive tract becomes porous and allows undigested foods, toxins, and other pathogens into the bloodstream. These pathogens trigger the immune system to release inflammatory compounds, increasing the risk for food sensitivities, inflammation, pain, and autoimmune disease.

Another consequence of leaky gut is that it eventually leads to leaky brain. In other words the protective lining of the brain, called the blood-brain barrier, also becomes porous, allowing harmful pathogens into the brain.

Leaky brain leads to damage and symptoms

When these pathogens slip through a porous blood-brain barrier into the brain, the brain’s immune system reacts. This brain-based inflammation damages neurons—brain fog is a common symptom of brain inflammation. A leaky blood-brain barrier has also been associated with a multitude of psychiatric symptoms, including depression and anxiety.

Gluten is especially problematic

Research shows the effects of gluten on the brain to be especially problematic. Studies link gluten to many brain-based disorders, including autism, ADD, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and even psychosis.

Gut issues are not always obvious when your brain is under attack

Research shows the majority of people whose brains are affected by gluten have no digestive complaints. In fact of those whose gluten sensitivity manifests neurologically, only one-third suffer from any disease of the intestinal tract.

Repairing the gut helps repair the brain

The good news is that both the gut and the brain are very responsive to efforts to restore health and integrity. The best way to help brain/gut issues is a multi-faceted approach that addresses the many stressors that can cause leaky gut, such as diet, adrenal health, blood sugar balancing, and gut infections. Research has also shown that specific botanicals and nutritional compounds can help restore the lining of your gut and your brain. If you would like to know more about leaky brain or leaky gut – let’s talk!